On Wednesday, May 31st from 4-7 PM, we are pleased to welcome Esther Choi Williams of fitblvd to our store to share her wisdom on fashion, nutrition and fitness...

I am so excited to collaborate with Rouge because I’ve been a fan of this store for a long time. I’m a transplant from Los Angeles and when I moved to Princeton 10 years ago, I was afraid I wouldn’t find a store that would fit my tastes. Thankfully, Collie and her team have filled that hole. And with the addition of athleisure to their already amazing inventory, they will never get rid of me.

I love fitness, fashion and food. Not always in that order but the 3 F’s are always on my mind. I’ve always been active… from competitive figure skating to cheerleading to getting a black belt and then emerging myself into the fitness world in my 20’s. I just fell in love with movement, with lifting heavy things, with feeling strong and challenging myself.

My desire is to help women find a happy and a healthy lifestyle that they can maintain for a lifetime. That means it has to be enjoyable and non restrictive. Trust me, I’ve tried almost every fad diet and exercise program out there and I’ve come to the conclusion that if you don’t love what you eat and what you do, you will never stick to it and you will eventually fail. However, if you take the time to cultivate a lifestyle that fits you, success is guaranteed and your quality of life will be so much better.

I will be at Rouge on May 25th from 4 to 7 PM. Please come and say hi! I would love to meet you and to chat about topics that are on every women’s minds. Heck yeah, no matter what age, we want to look awesome and feel strong and confident. You can do this alone but together, we can move mountains! I so believe in community and pushing each other forward.

Xx,Essie

PS. For training ideas and inspiration, please visit @fitblvd on Instagram or Facebook. Private training available upon request.

We know how hard it can be to take some time for yourself these days. So, we are teaming up with Gratitude Yoga and Pacers Running to bring you fashion, fitness, and a bit of peace...of mind and body. On Wednesday, May 31st, Rouge clients are invited to enjoy two classes hosted at Gratitude Yoga:​4:30 PM: Deep Stretching6:00 PM: Vinyasa

Gratitude Yoga integrates the physical practice of yoga with mindfulness meditation practices and the cultivation of compassion. We seek to nurture a sense of gratitude and deepen our desire to serve and benefit others.

Our practice focuses on developing strength and flexibility in the body as well as the mind. To that end we infuse the physical practice of yoga with an attitude of compassionate awareness and strive to bring our full presence to each moment, always looking for the balance between enthusiasm and self-acceptance. In this way our yoga practice becomes more than simply a form of physical exercise. It gives us an opportunity to develop qualities like patience, understanding, generosity, and serenity. Ideally it also brings a sense of peace that extends beyond yoga class and into our lives.

Gratitude Yoga’s mission is to foster compassionate community by linking the practice of yoga with charitable giving. Most of Gratitude Yoga’s profits are donated to humanitarian organizations, including local non-profits such as TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen), the Rescue Mission of Trenton, Womanspace, The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County, Good Grief, Mercer Street Friends, and HomeFront, as well as global organizations like Omo Child, Room to Read, Ramana’s Garden, Wounded Warrior Project, and International Campaign for Tibet.

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS FROM VITAMIN A SWIM!

This is no ordinary bikini. The seams lie flat against the skin. The quality is meticulous. The fit is hip-slimming, curve-hugging, bust-boosting, figure-flattering perfection. We’re inspired by travel, modern art, and the cult of global style-setters who collect our designs (Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, and Rihanna, to name a few). We’re known for the LBB—the Little Black Bikini™, as essential as the little black dress—and our signature California Cut. We’re all about sexy, sun-kissed California beauty. And we want to beautify the beach in more ways than one, so we’re doing our part to lighten our environmental footprint. Our exclusive new EcoLux™ matte superfine jersey is made with recycled nylon fiber to conserve precious resources. Our prints are created, when possible, with waterless digital technology at factories specially chosen for their innovative approaches to conserving electricity and water.

Designer Amahlia Stevens grew up on the beaches of Southern California, studied art history in London and Los Angeles, modeled swimwear, and traveled the world as a design consultant before setting out to design the perfect bikini. What started in 2000 with the California Cut has evolved into an insider go-to for day- to- night, beach-to-boulevard chic—and now, a force in sustainable fashion.

We believe that style and substance can coexist. Since 2000, Vitamin A has changed the face of swimwear with our signature design innovations: chic details, neutral color palettes, the Little Black Bikini™ (LBB), and the iconic California cut. Now, we see the future of fashion as sustainability—and Vitamin A is leading the way as we lighten our environmental footprint, one bikini at a time. We’re leading the way with EcoLuxTM, our exclusive new superfine matte jersey swim fabric produced locally in California, using recycled nylon fiber to conserve resources and LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber to extend the life of each swimsuit far beyond that of traditional spandex products. We employ waterless digital printing technology, incorporate sustainable fibers like Eco Linen into our après-beach styles, and choose factories that conserve water and energy use. Every step of the way, we take the time to get to know the people who produce our fabrics and collections—and to know they’re treated well. Vitamin A also donates a percentage of profits to environmental organizations. We craft our designs to last and last. And we do it ethically in sunny Southern California, where we live, work, and swim.

Join us in store for our athleisure-inspired events, and give your mind, body, and wardrobe a boost!​Happy Shopping!xo, Woodney

MEET THE DESIGNERS

REBECA IMPERIANO

Founded in 2014, Rebeca Imperiano, LLC is an architecturally constructed women's ready-to-wear brand with a minimalistic approach to the cosmopolitan woman. The line consists of innovative silhouettes and pieces that enhance the feminine body. This cutting edge collection embodies the woman who appreciates arts, design and wants to express her individuality. Timeless and versatile the clothing is designed for creative individuals who embrace the unexpected. This woman is looking for a look rather than a label. The line is conceived to accentuate perceived sense of culture, exploration, imagination and sophistication using architectural elements and concepts.

Rebeca Imperiano was born and raised in Brazil. Her relationship with fashion started at an early age through her fashion designer and entrepreneur mother who owns a successful evening and wedding gown business in her hometown. Rebeca earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Urbanism in Brazil and a Master of Science in Fashion Design from Drexel University in 2013. She won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) 2013 certificate for her outstanding achievement in technical design among other awards at the Drexel Fashion Show including the BCBG Max Azaria and Emily Lung Accessory Award and the Pearl Miller Carpel Award. She also had the honor of being selected as a 2014 Philadelphia Fashion Incubator Designer in Residence.

VICTORIA WRIGHT

Victoria Wright is a contemporary collection for the modern women aimed at enhancing and defining her individuality. The Victoria Wright woman is glamorous, timelessly elegant, yet effortlessly chic. Simply put, her brand philosophy is to bring back the art of dressing up. The Victoria Wright collection is driven by the compilation of diverse textures and modern florals, whimsical silhouettes, and vintage references. With a love of fashion and art history, world travel, and street style, inspiration is found everywhere from art museums to city streets across the globe. With her vivaciously chic woman in mind, Victoria Wright offers that “je ne sais quoi” through her charming designs.

Born and raised in Bucks County, Victoria Wright knew from an early age that she was going to be a fashion designer. She studied in New York City at Parsons the New School for Design as well as Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art and Design. Upon completing internships and freelancing for companies such as Rebecca Taylor, Urban Outfitter’s, and Club Monaco, Victoria began to visualize her brand. After being chosen as a finalist in the Philadelphia Magazine Fashion Project,and showing her first collection in Atlantic City Fashion Week, Victoria was accepted into the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator. Through the vast resources and support of the incubator, along with the encouragement from the Philadelphia Fashion Community, Victoria Wright continues to develop her line with the goal of bringing her vision to women worldwide.

TERESE SYDONNA

New York-based Terese Sydonna, LLC is a contemporary ready-to-wear and accessories brand designed for the superhero in all of us. Inspired by bold prints, sculpture, and unexpected detail, Terese Sydonna’s collections celebrate a modern landscape where art, fashion and comfort intersect. Stylish, yet maintenance free, 95% of the collection is machine washable, quick drying, and wrinkle-free. The Terese Sydonna superhero is a game changer with a busy lifestyle; realistic; sophisticated; reveling in the finest of quality; and remaining confident and cool in any situation. Launched in 2011, Designer Terese Brown carefully designs each piece in the collection to be versatile without compromising on comfort. Her collection is made in New York, and stocked at the finest retailers in the United States and Canada.

Jamaican-born, New York-bred Terese Sydonna Brown is a 2014 alum of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s, holds a dual degree in Economics & Business and Studio Art from Lafayette College, and a Fashion Design degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). After obtaining a strong business foundation at Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., Brown pursued her fashion career in design, production, buying, sales and merchandising for NYC Alliance, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, and Lord and Taylor to name a few. Terese carefully designs each piece in the collection to be versatile without compromising on comfort. Hi-tech luxurious novelty knits and stretch wovens are transformed into beautiful multi-functional outfits that can be worn for any occasion. Her love for her culture, superheroes and the unexpected is evident in every collection. She credits her grandmother along with her experiences working on both the corporate and creative sides of the fashion industry for her understanding of fit, construction, prints and mixing fabrications. These experiences have set Terese apart, as she thoroughly understands the point of view of the customer as well as the buyer. She knows that the customer wants a wardrobe that not only is playful, but adds value to every aspect of their lifestyle.

Our Philadelphia Trunk Show Pop Shop will be in store May 11th - May 14th, with a special Designer Meet & Greet on Thursday, May 11th from 4-7 PM. Stop by and discover these rising designers!

Worldly style, local designers. This weekend, we are so excited to host a trunk show introducing you to two local designers specializing in bold, eclectic style inspired by Indian art: Chetna Singh and Bhavna Nigam of Bhavna's Exclusive...

CHETNA SINGH

Chetna is an ER physician, self taught artist, and scarf designer. She works mostly in oils but loves mied media too. Her artwork is influenced by her Indian heritage and her love for mythology, travel, people and horses. Painting has been a passion and an outlet for her.

Her pieces feature her original artwork digitally printed on pure silk. In 2013, she started her label when she had an idea about wearing one of her artworks. Today, Chetna's collection is comprised of her original artwork, digitally printed on pure Indian silk. The translation from art to scarf works beautifully on silk, while affording a luxurious feel and keeping you cool in the summer and warm in winter. A piece of art that is unique. It’s yours to wear or frame and decorate if you prefer!

Chetna's customer is confident and worldly. She travels, enjoys Friday evenings spent in the art galleries downtown, and can be found seeking out the next great bottle of Pinot Noir. She is stylish but not trendy, she’s busy but happy. She tries new things but never forgets her favorites. She loves an adventure, whether that’s found exploring Venice in a gondola or getting lost in a piece of fiction in her favorite chair.

BHAVNA'S EXCLUSIVE

Bhavna’s Exclusive House of Fashion brings to you their All Time Women’s clothing line that reflects a commitment to everyday energetic lifestyle and a desire to create clothing that is enjoyable and practical.

BE clothing is inspired by vibrant colors and traditional motifs to create eclectic pieces, which are classically stylish and effortless to wear - classified as fusion of cultures with interesting blend of detailing and innovation, modernity and old world charm, made exclusively for our daily lifestyle. The collection also includes a vibrant range of digital prints, which are reminiscent of the richness of Indian textile art that has world’s recognition. While Bhavna is based out of Princeton, all garments are made in India combining traditional techniques with modern developments.

Bhavna grew up in the beautiful historical city of Lucknow in India where all cultures blend seamlessly and forms a link between tradition and modernity. Simplicity and timeless elegance of this town has always been a part of her life and that is what she attempts to weave together in my exclusive clothing line along with bright colors that inspire her.

Stop by on Saturday to meet these talented designers and shop their eclectic style!

Author

As fashion and beauty relate so beautifully to art, you can mix and match colors, styles, and products to create stunning masterpieces and express your own artistry. Let us inspire you through our blogs. - Collie Jennings